FBI Omaha Offers Strategies to Beat Charity Scams
Many of us are planning for our end-of-the-year charitable giving. Before you hit the donate button, FBI Omaha Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paula Ebersole shares some strategies to keep your money safe.
Video Transcript
I’m FBI Omaha assistant special agent in charge Paula Ebersole.
For many the holiday season is a time to contribute to a good cause.
It is also a time we see an increase in charity-related fraud. Doing a little research upfront will ensure sure your donation goes to a legitimate charity.
Charity scams are set up and designed to make it easy for victims to donate money and believe they are making a difference.
Before you give, keep in mind legitimate charities do not solicit donations via money transfer services, nor do they ask for donations via gift cards.
If you are not familiar with a charity, search the name plus the words “complaint” or “rating”.
Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to reputable charities. Most reputable charity websites use dot-org not dot-com.
Finally, make contributions directly, and not through an intermediary. Pay via credit card or check; avoid cash donations.
Doing some research and planning will ensure your donation goes to where you intended and not into the pockets of a scammer.
For more information on how to protect yourself, visit fbi.gov. If you believe you have been a victim of charity-related fraud, contact FBI Omaha.
Video Download
Video Source
Recent Video
- 04.24.2024 — FBI Chaplain Program
- 04.23.2024 — FBI Cyber at RSA Conference™ 2024
- 04.17.2024 — FBI, Lumberton Police Seek Information in Cases of Three Women Found Dead
- 04.15.2024 — Director Wray Speaks on Civil Rights at 16th Street Baptist Church
- 04.11.2024 — FBI Seattle Women's History Month Vodcast
- 04.11.2024 — FBI Seattle Elder Fraud Vodcast
- 04.10.2024 — Philadelphia Recovered Firearms (B-roll)
- 04.08.2024 — Robert Contee Discusses Transnational Repression
- 03.21.2024 — N.H. Law Enforcement Officials Warn of Online Scams in Connecticut
- 03.15.2024 — FBI Seattle SAC Statement on MMIP
- 03.14.2024 — FBI Boston Special Agent Describes Return of Okinawan Artifacts
- 03.08.2024 — FBI St. Louis' Birthday Message to Director Webster
- 03.01.2024 — Director Webster 100th Birthday Message
- 02.29.2024 — FBI Seattle Discusses Black History Month
- 02.29.2024 — Inside the FBI: The Phantom Hacker Scam
- 02.20.2024 — Seeking Information: Jenna Franks
- 02.16.2024 — Deputy Director Paul Abbate Statement on LockBit Ransomware Group
- 02.14.2024 — Romance Scams, Revisited
- 02.14.2024 — FBI New Haven - FLEYA - Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy
- 02.13.2024 — FBI Salt Lake City Warns of Romance Scams
FBI Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to our email newsletter for news on the FBI, sent out every week.